If you own a local business in Jacksonville, Orlando or anywhere for that matter, and want to attract nearby customers, it’s essential to rank your website for “near me” searches. With the rise of mobile search, consumers often search for products and services near their location, making local SEO a crucial aspect of any business’s online presence.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to rank your WordPress website for “near me” searches using technical SEO and local SEO strategies.

Technical SEO for “Near Me” Ranking

Technical SEO involves optimizing your website’s structure and coding to make it more search engine-friendly. Here are some technical SEO strategies you can implement to rank your WordPress website for “near me” searches:

1. Optimize your website for mobile users More than 60% of searches now come from mobile devices, and Google rewards mobile-friendly websites with higher rankings. Make sure your website is responsive and has a mobile-friendly design.
2. Use location-based industry-related keywords  in your website’s content, such as “flooring services in Jacksonville” or “plumbing services near Orlando.”
3. Implement Schema markup to help search engines better understand your website’s content. Implementing schema markup with local business information can improve your website’s visibility in local search results.
4. Use Google Business, this free tool lets you manage your business’s online presence across Google. Make sure to verify and optimize your Google Business listing with accurate NAP (name, address, phone) information, business hours, photos, and reviews.

Local SEO for “Near Me” Ranking

Local SEO involves optimizing your online presence to rank higher in local search results. Here are some local SEO strategies you can use to rank your WordPress website for “near me” searches:

1. Create local business listings on online directories, such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Angie’s List, and ensure your NAP information is consistent across all platforms.
2. Get online reviews – positive online reviews can boost your website’s credibility and ranking in search results. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, and other online platforms.
3. Build local citations, these are mentions of your business’s NAP information on other websites, such as online directories, blogs, and social media platforms. Building local citations can help improve your website’s visibility in local search results.
4. Optimize website’s content with location-based keywords, such as “near me” and “in Jacksonville.” Also, include local landmarks, neighborhoods, and cities in your website’s content to improve its relevance for local searches.

Ranking your WordPress website for “near me” searches requires a combination of technical SEO and local SEO strategies. By optimizing your website’s structure, coding, and online presence, you can improve your website’s visibility in local search results and attract nearby customers to your business.

Whether you’re a flooring contractor in Jacksonville or a plumbing service in Orlando, implementing these strategies can help you rank your WordPress website for “near me” searches and establish a strong online presence in your local market. If you’re not sure where to start, consider working with an experienced web developer or SEO professional to help you optimize your website for local search.